Iran said on Sunday that it would be open to discussions with the United States if the focus of the talks is specifically on addressing concerns regarding the militarization of its nuclear programme.
The country’s U.N. mission posted a statement on X, saying, "If the purpose of negotiations is to address concerns regarding the possible militarization of Iran’s nuclear programme, such discussions may be considered."
This comes after Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei rejected talks with the U.S. the previous day, arguing that the aim would be to impose restrictions on Iran's missile programme and regional influence.
Khamenei's comments followed President Donald Trump’s acknowledgement of having sent a letter to Khamenei, seeking a new agreement with Tehran to limit its fast-developing nuclear programme, and to replace the nuclear deal from which he had pulled the U.S. during his first term.
Khamenei argued that U.S. demands would be military and related to Iran's regional influence, and that such negotiations would not resolve issues between Iran and the West.
Trump's offer comes amid warnings from both Israel and the U.S. that they will prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, sparking fears of military conflict as Tehran enriches uranium to near-weapons-grade levels, a move typically only undertaken by nuclear-armed countries.
Tehran has consistently asserted that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, despite increasing threats to pursue nuclear weapons. Tensions with the U.S. over sanctions and with Israel amid a fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip also contribute to the high tensions.
While allowing for discussions on militarization concerns, Iran’s statement made it clear that it would not negotiate away what it insists is its peaceful nuclear programme.
"However, if the goal is the dismantling of Iran’s peaceful nuclear programme, to claim what Obama failed to achieve has now been accomplished, such negotiations will never take place," the Iranian mission emphasized.
Source: AP
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